Toby Flood's yellow card proved to be costly as Exeter Chiefs made it four Premiership wins out of four.
The Ricoh Arena played host to a Premiership classic on Sunday as Wasps overcame 14-man Leicester Tigers 41-35 in an eight-try thriller.
Saracens needed two late tries from David Strettle to secure a come-from-behind victory over Northampton Saints.
Charlie Sharples grabbed two tries as Gloucester rallied from a 10-point half-time deficit to see off local rivals Bristol Bears.
Worcester Warriors were unable to complete a comeback from 18-0 down at Sale Sharks as they remain winless in the Premiership.
Danny Cipriani inspired Gloucester's comeback as a former Bath player denied the hosts victory at the Rec on Saturday.
Dan Biggar kicked 17 points and Dylan Hartley came off the bench to score a try as Northampton Saints edged out Harlequins.
Flanker Brad Shields will start his first Premiership game on Saturday when Wasps host last season's beaten finalists Exeter Chiefs.
After failing to guide Leicester Tigers to the Premiership play-offs last season, Matt O'Connor has left the club.
Alex Lewington and Owen Farrell helped Saracens to a handy away win at Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.
Danny Cipriani produced a sensational pass for Charlie Sharples' try while Billy Twelvetrees kicked 17 points in Gloucester's victory.
The opening game of the 2018-19 Premiership season saw newly promoted Bristol Bears defeat Bath 17-10 in a lively west-country derby.
Jimmy Gopperth will miss much of the new season as a result of cruciate ligament damage sustained against Connacht.
Scott Wilson said being forced to cut short his career is a "huge blow" but he will reflect fondly on representing Newcastle Falcons.
Danny Cipriani has escaped further punishment from the Rugby Football Union over his conduct during an incident in Jersey this month.
He faces an RFU disciplinary hearing on Wednesday but Danny Cipriani has still been named in Gloucester's XV for his debut on Thursday.